The Ghost of Hangman's Bridge
What really happened to Wesley Everest?
Who was this man?
Who was this man, Nathan Wesley Everest, revered by some as a martyr, reviled by others as a murderer? And what were the events that led to the killing of the four legionnaires and the lynching of a Wobbly on that first Armistice Day celebrating the war that was to end all wars?
In 1904 Everest, then 14, was orphaned and sent to live with his great aunt, Mrs. O. B. Westfall, who operated a dairy farm near Portland, Oregon. When he was 17, Wesley decided the life of a logger was more to his liking. The daily wage of $1.84 for a ten-hour day offered him independence if not financial security. He soon embraced the philosophy of the IWW, which included agitating for an eight-hour day, safer working conditions, better living conditions, and no discrimination against IWW members, Industrial Workers of the World.
Known as an efficient and enthusiastic organizer, Everest was sent
from one logging town to another to recruit new members for IWW. When he first
arrived in Centralia, he was already acquainted with vigilante justice.
In Coos Bay, Oregon, he and another organizer had been arrested and
jailed, but before the law could take its course, a contingent of 300
businessmen took the two from jail and put them aboard a boat. They
were taken across the bay to Jarvis Landing where they were told to get
out and start walking.
As Northwest loggers continued to make demands for safer working and living conditions, higher pay and an eight-hour work day, they were met with implacable resistance on the part of the timber and sawmill owners. Large posters listing the IWW demands were circulated in public places as well as logging camps. Among their demands were "sanitary sleeping quarters with not more than 12 men in each bunkhouse . . . laundry rooms with shower baths to be installed."
The typical logging camp had a shack containing three tiers of plank bunks extending along the walls, with a wood stove in the middle. Loggers were expected to carry their own bedding which they rolled and tied with a piece of rope. There was no first aid or medical attention available for injuries on the job.
http://www.washingtonhistory.org/wshs/columbia/articles/0399-a2.htm
Armistice Day 88 Years Ago
Feature Articles: The Armistice
The term "armistice" means a cessation of hostilities as a prelude to peace negotiations. In the context of the First World War 'the armistice' is generally referred to in context of the agreement between the Germans and the Allies to end the war on November 11, 1918.
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Website: FirstWorldwar.com
The New York Times Reports the End of the War
From World War I Document Archive
LONDON, Nov. 9, 4 :40 P.M. -- Emperor William of Germany has abdicated.
COPENHAGEN, Nov. 9 -- German sailors have rebelled and have compelled their officers to leave the warships.
PARIS, Nov. 9 -- If the German answer is in the affirmative, an armistice will be signed at Senlis, headquarters of the Allied Generalissimo.
LONDON, Nov. 9 -- All the Allied armies on the British front are advancing.
PARIS, Nov. 9 -- French cavalry has crossed the Belgian border, north and east of Hirson.
WITH THE AMERICAN ARMY IN FRANCE, Nov. 9, 9 P.M. -- The message that the Kaiser has decided to abdicate reached the American front this afternoon. East of the Meuse Americans are advancing on Montmedy. We have just cleaned out Bois de Remoisville.
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